Fine For Not Stopping For School Buses Going Up

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KNSI) - The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says drivers failing to stop for school buses continues to be a serious issue that puts children's lives at risk every school year.

To crack down on offenders and make them think twice before engaging in the potentially deadly behavior, fines are going way up.

Beginning on Tuesday, August 1st, the fine for failing to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing and crossing arm fully extended increases to $500 from the previous fine of $300.

Safety officials say, during the annual School Bus Stop Arm Survey earlier this year, bus drivers across the state reported 703 stop arm violations in just one day.

"Too often motorists ignore the school bus laws or are too distracted that they don’t see the bus picking up or dropping off children until it’s too late," said Col. Matt Langer, Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.

He says, over the past six years, officers have issued nearly 9,000 stop arm violation citations.

"When motorists violate the law, it puts the lives of children at risk. Drivers should always be looking out for school buses and expect those buses to make frequent stops during the morning and afternoon school hours. Pay attention and stop for buses to help keep our children safe."

In Minnesota, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.